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After dedicating over 28 years to serving in Albert Lea, Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson retired on Friday.

At the start of the Monday Albert Lea City Council meeting, Mayor Rich Murray declared Friday as a day to honor and celebrate Carlson for his career and retirement as public safety director.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Public Safety Director Carlson has exemplified the highest standards of law enforcement, leading with courage, fairness and an enduring commitment to public safety,” Murray said, noting that Carlson’s contributions have left a legacy that will resonate for generations.

Carlson started as a patrol officer in 1997 and moved up to lieutenant and deputy director before taking the director position in 2018.

Some of his achievements have included moving Albert Lea Fire Rescue from City Hall to a new station; leading public safety through civil unrest, a pandemic and critical incidents; and annual reductions in the local crime rate, among others.

City Manager Ian Rigg thanked Carlson for his many years of service during his remarks at the end of the meeting and told Carlson his retirement was well deserved.

“At a time it is a thankless job, in addition to his years of service to the community, his years of service to this country as a Marine,” Rigg said.

Resident Martha Jones Sichko thanked Carlson for his service in Albert Lea and said that Carlson’s 28 years have embodied the values of the Albert Lea Police Department.

“He is respectful, service-oriented, accountable and a man of integrity,” she said, noting Carlson is also friendly, easy to talk to and not stand-offish — all traits needed in law enforcement. “J.D. has been a true leader of leaders for the Albert Lea Police Department and the city. … His commitment to public safety, building trust and reducing crime has been outstanding.”

Carlson thanked the council and city staff present for his opportunity to serve in the community and said it had been a privilege to work alongside them.

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I leave with full confidence in the city’s continued success,” he said.

During his retirement open house Friday at the fire station, Carlson said he is particularly proud of having faithfully carried out the visionary community policing philosophy of former Chief Dwaine Winkels, which he said has been a cornerstone of their success.

He is also proud of the department’s ability to promote the enhancement of the quality of life in the community and for diligently reducing the city’s crime rate to its lowest point in the modern reporting era.

“These aren’t just statistics on a page; they are a living testament to our shared effort, our profound dedication and our relentless teamwork, always putting the safety and well-being of our community first and foremost,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said he is excited for his next chapter and looks forward to enjoying lake life, refining his golf game, unwinding with patio time and embarking on new adventures with his motorcycle.

“While I am certainly looking forward to this next grand adventure with all my heart, I will genuinely miss the spirited daily interactions, the unique and ever-evolving challenges that kept us sharp, the vibrant, palpable energy of this department that has truly been my second home for nearly three decades,” he said.

He encouraged the department to find joy and fun in what they do, to stay motivated and to always look out for each other.

Darren Hanson will become the new police chief upon Carlson’s retirement, with Darin Palmer as deputy police chief. Jeff Laskowske will become the new fire chief with Bart Berven as deputy fire chief.